Researching Information Support, and equity During the Menopause Transition in Canada (Can-RISE) Study

All women, transgender, and non-binary people who were born with ovaries will experience perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause whether it occurs naturally (usually between 40 and 50 years old) or surgically/medically (when the ovaries are removed or after chemotherapy). 

Leading up to menopause, women’s estrogen and progesterone levels start to fluctuate and eventually decline. Some women notice physical, emotional, or cognitive changes, while others notice few or no changes at all. For some, these hormonal changes can affect daily life, including their work or relationships. One of the most common changes is the development of irregular periods.

Menopause occurs when ovulation stops permanently, preventing women from getting pregnant. Natural menopause is considered to have occured when menstrual periods have stopped for 12 months in a row without any other cause (such as using a hormonal intrauterine device or having a hysterectomy). Surgical menopause occurs when menopause is caused by medical interventions that stop ovulation (such as ovary removal or chemotherapy). 

This stage begins after menopause and lasts for the rest of a woman’s life. At this stage, estrogen and progesterone level remain low. Since many of the symptoms experienced during perimenopause are related to declining estrogen and progesterone, many individuals continue to experience these symptoms in postmenopause. Some symptoms, such as night sweats, may become milder or disappear altogether.

Access to care and support differs from person to person. Some people may be unsure about where to find information. Also, more rural and remote areas may have fewer healthcare providers and resources available to support women. As a result, experiences during the perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause are different for everyone. 

The Can-RISE Study is led by a Canada-wide team of researchers brought together through the Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada. The team includes scientists with expertise in different areas of women’s, transgender, and non-binary health including sex and gender analysis, menopause and perimenopause, sexual health, reproductive health, chronic conditions, aging, equity, access to care, health research methods, and knowledge sharing.

Meet our team+

Dr. Sofia Ahmed, Co-Investigator, Professor, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Calgary, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute

Dr. Lori Brotto, Principal Investigator, Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Women’s Health Research Institute

Dr. Justine Dol, Co-Investigator, Accelerate Chair in Women+ Health, IWK Health

Dr. Iulia Iatan, Co-Investigator, Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, McGill University, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute

Dr. Tamil Kendall, Co-Investigator, Adjunct Professor, School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Director, Partnership for Women’s Health Research Canada

Dr. Colleen Norris, Co-Investigator, Professor, Faculty of Nursing, University of Alberta, Women and Children’s Health Research Institute

Dr. Alexis Reeves, Co-Investigator, Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Toronto, Scientist, Research and Innovation Institute at Women’s College Hospital

Jordan Chin, Can-RISE Research Coordinator

Sabina Dobrer, Statistician, Women’s Health Research Institute

Nicole Prestley, Knowledge Translation Manager, Women’s Health Research Institute